DROUIN Hawks Netball Club’s senior teams remain undefeated after some tough games against Garfield in round six on Saturday.
A GRADE
Drouin started slowly, with far too many turnovers in the first quarter.
However, it gradually picked up its intensity, particularly in defence, with Bronwyn Wallace (GK), Nicki Bryce (GD) and Linda McLeish (WD) applying plenty of pressure to the Garfield attack.
In attack, Drouin experimented with Christie Proctor in goals for the majority of the game. She shot very accurately, helping to lift Drouin’s scoring rate.
Drouin will take on Traralgon in the grandfinal replay on Saturday.
Scores Drouin 53 d Garfield 22.
Award winner: Linda McLeish – Royal Hotel, Drouin.
B GRADE
With both teams undefeated, a large crowd gathered, expecting a close contest.
The first quarter was highquality netball from both teams with swift movement of the ball, finished off by accurate shooting and Garfield holding a onegoal lead.
In the second quarter, Drouin showed its class by outscoring Garfield 19 goals to five to set up the win.
Lia Olsen (GK) came to life, intercepting and deflecting balls cleanly to send Drouin back into attack.
Drouin’s goalers Keira Rees and Jodie Proctor capitalised on all their opportunities with accurate shooting. Ally Henderson (WA) outmanoeuvred all her opponents and fed the ball well into the goalers.
In the second half, Felicity Pratt came on to goal attack and did an excellent job, moving the ball patiently in and around the ring.
Scores: Drouin 64 d Garfield 41.
Awards: Ally Henderson – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
C GRADE
Drouin came through a tough match well with Garfield testing it throughout the contest.
Every player worked extremely hard with the match closer than the final scores indicated.
Drouin’s defenders Millie Marriner (GK) and Lauren Ablett (GD) did an excellent job, particularly in the last quarter to limit their opponents to only one goal.
The team welcomed back Lisa Watson who played well at goal shooter. Venessa Watson showed her versatility, taking on all three midcourt positions and excelling in all.
Drouin will face its greatest challenge so this season when it meets Traralgon in the grandfinal replay on Saturday.
Scores: Drouin 42 d Garfield 17.
Awards: Millie Marriner – Drouin Amcal Pharmacy.
17 AND UNDER
The team put together a muchimproved fourquarter effort this week, resulting in a solid win against Garfield.
The defenders had plenty of intercepts that quickly turned defence into attack for Drouin.
The ball movement down the court was strong with players attacking the ball.
Drouin’s goalers were excellent, finishing off the team’s hard work with accurate shooting.
Scores: Drouin 52 d Garfield 11.
Awards: Brittany Jolly – Chumba Hair Salon; Nicole Thomson – Abby’s Cafe.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin was determined to secure a win after suffering defeat at the hands of Sale last week.
Stephanie Rees (GS) shot accurately and was a formidable target in the goal circle, holding her space strongly.
Drouin defender Imogen Sceney applied great defensive pressure, forcing Garfield to relinquish possession on many occasions.
Sceney and other defenders, Courtney Addison and Jess Hedley all rebounded strongly to send Drouin continually back into attack. Katrina Wardle showed her versatility playing every position in the midcourt and excelled in all of them.
Drouin will now tackle Traralgon with improved confidence this week.
Scores: Drouin 36 d Garfield 13.
Award: Leading Edge Video Katrina Wardle.
13 AND UNDER
Drouin played a great game and was too strong for a valiant Garfield team that tried hard all game.
Drouin’s defenders Alice Goodwin and Sarah Osbourne got many turnovers and were well supported by Freya Lieshout at wing defence, who had her best game of the season, playing tight and attacking the ball strongly.
Drouin’s all court defence was a highlight with every player being accountable for their own opponent.
In goals, Sam Davis and Abbey Kingi combined well and moved the ball in and around the ring sweetly.
Scores: Drouin 26 d Garfield 9.
Award: Nick’s Bakehouse Freya Lieshout.
